The Boot Kidz — Boots

Who invented Wellies?

Karen Henry 2018 Article Boots Charles Goodyear Duke of Wellington Hiram Hutchinson History Neoprene Rubber Wellies Wellington Boots Welting

Who invented Wellies?

Who invented Wellington boots? No single person was responsible for the invention of rubber Wellington Boots. The Duke of Wellington designed the Wellington Boot - although not called the Wellington boot at the time for his soldiers for the Battle of Waterloo, in 1815, fighting against Napoleon. The distinguishing feature of the Wellington Boot was the low-cut heels and the calf-high tops. The Duke of Wellington defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, and in the wake of this victory and his ensuing popularity, Wellington boots became popular. Originally Wellies were made in hessian - a natural fiber from the skin of the Jute plant. The hessian boot...

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Boot Festivals Around the World

Karen Henry Article Boots Celebrations Dance Festivals Gumboots Rain boots Wellies Wellington Boots World

This page has information relating to Gumboot festivals celebrated in honour of the humble gumboot. Gumboots are also known as Wellington Boots in the UK or Rain-boots in the USA.  Golden Gumboot Festival (May) The Golden Gumboot Festival is held every May in Tully, Queensland, Australia home of the worlds largest Gumboot. The Golden Gumboot Festival was first held in 2004. See the Tully Gumboot Festival website for more information here. Golden Gumboot Festival (October) The Golden Gumboot Festival is a new festival held in October at the Kiwi Valley Complex in Waitakere Auckland. Gumboot Day (First Tuesday after Easter) Gumboot Day is a...

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Design Consideration for Bootkidz Cement Boots

Karen Henry 2008 Boots Cement Design Wellies Wellington Boots

Design Consideration for Bootkidz Cement Boots

The cement boots are a modern design consideration as cement is a contemporary material used in the manufacture of many design orientated art pieces. Each Wellington Boot is made by using real Wellington Boots. Dyed cement is poured into the boots. A rod slightly larger than the stands metal rods is inserted into the wet cement - this will allow the metal rods of the stands to be inserted. Two weeks later the boots are ready.    

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Prototyping the cement boots

Karen Henry 2006 2007 2008 Boots Cement Design Legs Prototyping Stability Stands Sturdy Wellies

Prototyping the cement boots

Cement Boots Many prototypes of the cement wellington boots were made. This photo shows the cement boots in the rain in the garden. Different cement dyes were used to colour the cement.  Cement dye was mixed into real Wellington boots and then the boots were removed. Real Wellington boots were used as molds to hold the cement whilst drying. Metal cylinders were placed in the cement to hold the legs of the Bootkidz coat stands. Since the cement is quite heavy - it gives the clothes stand good stability.  

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Welcome

Karen Henry 2005 2D 3D Art Boots Cement Child Children Clothes stands Coat Stands Colourful Concrete Design Fashion Fun Home Mannequins Models Visual merchandising Welcome Wireframe

Welcome

Welcome to the Boot Kidz Blog. Design of 'The Boot Kidz' The Boot Kidz were designed by furniture designer Karen Henry in 2005. The original ideas for Lucy were sketched on paper. This included a red wavy design for the hair and a patterned outfitted blue dress. It was decided to make Lucy more iconic and focus on the form and rather than features. A small bend in the knee to emphasise that Lucy is a playful and fun character. The shapes and lines are important After the design was sketched, initial miniature prototypes of the designs were made with...

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